Leo Harlem, one of Spain's beloved comedians, is gearing up for his appearance on "El Hormiguero" this Tuesday, where he will not only entertain but also tout the premiere of his new show, "Leo Talks," set to air on Movistar+ starting February 24. Known for his unique humor and engaging performances, Harlem will also discuss his touring shows, "Deja que te cuente" and "Mentes Peligrosas," sharing the stage with fellow prominent comedians.
Harlem, born Leonardo González Feliz, is recognized as one of the most discreet figures in comedy, preferring to keep his private life largely under wraps. This choice, he explains, stems from a desire to maintain the comic's persona he has built on television, focusing on humor without delving too deeply onto personal matters. Over the last two decades, Harlem has ascended to become one of Spain's most recognizable comedic talents, showcasing his abilities across various media platforms.
His rise to prominence began early in the 2000s when, spurred on by friends, he sent one of his performance videos to "El Club de la Comedia," where he finished third at the Monologue Competition alongside other future stars like El Monaguillo. But it's fascinating to note, before his venture onto the stage, Harlem was far removed from the world of comedy. From the age of 16 to 28, he worked as a baker, and later, he opened his own bar named Harlem, which would later inspire his stage name.
Harlem’s early career was marked by diversity, as he moved from managing his bar to becoming a radio commentator at Radio Estadio, where he sharpened his comedic craft. His subsequent appearances on shows like "La hora de José Mota" and "El club del chiste" on Antena 3 helped establish him firmly within Spanish comedy. Over the years, he has gained significant television and film credits, starring alongside notable figures like Santiago Segura, and even taking on roles where he humorously portrays fatherhood.
Despite his humorous on-screen roles as a father, Harlem has chosen not to have children with his long-term partner, Nuria, whom he has been with for over 30 years. He articulated this decision humorously, saying, "No soy padre en la vida real, pero en las películas no paro de tener hijos," highlighting the stark difference between his fictional roles and reality. Both met during their university years, where he studied Architecture before shifting paths to comedy. While they have been together for decades, they have never felt the need to formalize their relationship through marriage. Harlem remarked, "No estamos casados, aunque llevamos tantos años que es como una pareja de hecho."
This deliberate choice to remain childless is rooted deeply in their lifestyle. Leo has expressed concerns about the responsibilities of parenthood, stating, "Consideramos que no tener descendencia es lo más conveniente"—due to the couple's busy schedules, who frequently travel for their respective careers. This perspective allows Harlem to balance his professional passion for comedy with his secretive personal life.
Over the years, Harlem’s private demeanor has intrigued fans and media alike, as he tends to shy away from public events and photocalls. He prefers to live by his own rules, sharing, "Soy muy reservado, no voy casi a photocalls ni a eventos. Yo tengo mi vida, mi pareja…" This aversion to publicity has allowed him to focus on what brings him joy: performing, engaging audiences, and enjoying life’s moments authentically.
Although his comedic style has evolved over time, Harlem remains committed to avoiding offensive topics such as politics, sex, and gender issues, affirming, "Yo podría ser más gracioso hablando de eso, pero crearía tensión y lo que pretendo haciendo humor es que la gente se ría." His approach to comedy emphasizes entertainment without controversy, insisting on laughter as the primary goal.
Leo Harlem's life took on a different hue when he revealed to viewers of "El Hormiguero" back in March 2020, shortly before the pandemic, his near-fatal battle with poisoning. He recounted, "Yo estuve muerto ya una vez, de una intoxicación," describing it as a surreal experience close to sleep. This brush with death led him to appreciate life more deeply, concluding, "Hay que llegar con energía, habértelo pasado bien, haber disfrutado." Such reflections resonate with fans who see Harlem not just as a comedian but as someone who genuinely enjoys life and encourages others to do the same.
Now, at 62 years old, Harlem remains a vibrant fixture on Spanish television and cinema, blending humorous storytelling with heartfelt reflections about life’s unpredictability. His legacy is not only marked by laughter but also by the deep connections he maintains with his audience and the serene life he shares with Nuria. One can only anticipate what new heights will follow as he continues his remarkable career.